Public asked to ID suspects in string of break-ins

More than 80 homes and vehicles in one Lee County neighborhood have been targeted by thieves over the last three months, and now Crime Stoppers is hoping the public can help identify at least one of the perpetrators.

Over the last few months, 84 burglaries have been reported in the McGregor Boulevard corridor, spanning from Whiskey Creek to College Parkway.

In each instance, either a car or home was broken into, with thousands of dollars worth of cash, electronics and wallets stolen.

In one of the most recent break-ins, surveillance cameras perched outside a residence on St. Andrews Circle caught a young white male, between the ages of 16 and 18, entering a vehicle during the evening of August 17th.

Once inside the truck, video captured images of the suspect rifling through the center console, counting and swiping $460 in cash, as well as a debit card.

"Unfortunately, in a vast majority of these burglaries, either the targeted cars or homes were unlocked," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "We strongly encourage residents to take one easy step of locking their homes and vehicles at all times. That one action can make a huge difference in whether you become a victim of a property crime or not."

Detectives believe there is a group of young men committing most of these crimes, and that most – if not all – of the recent 84 burglaries are related.

Anyone with information on these crimes, or the identity and whereabouts of the young man pictured in the attached surveillance video, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.